This Remarkable Scoring Streak Drives Aston Villa's Improbable Push for Glory

It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.

In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.

Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?

It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.

Per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.

The Winning Formula

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.

The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

How Long Can This Continue?

Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
• Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.

Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Enjoying the Ride

Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.